Category Archives: Featured
KIX Kitties and K9s: Meet Canyon!
Canyon is a loving pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Canyon warms up beautifully to people once he gets to know them, though he can be a bit timid at first. Once he feels comfortabl...
May 06, 2026
The beauty of the fringe tree in North Carolina landscapes
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - I can vividly recall the first time I ever laid eyes on a "Fringe Tree" (Chionanthus virginicus), also known as "Grandfather's Beard." I was ...
Apr 20, 2026
Eastern hemlock: North Carolina's redwood of the East
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - The hemlock found in North Carolina is a towering, majestic tree that can live for hundreds of years. The Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) ...
Apr 15, 2026
Trout lily offers early sign of spring in North Carolina
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener Many of us have various and sundry lilies in our landscapes. There are "Tiger," "Crinum," "Asiatic" and many more types of lilies that are not native. There are als...
Mar 31, 2026
This unusual cherry tree thrives in North Carolina yards
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener I have always been fascinated by unusual plants, trees, shrubs and flowers that I rarely see, especially those growing in North Carolina. Autumn-blooming cherry, Hi...
Feb 01, 2026
How native plants can turn your yard into a bird habitat
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener I have spent many hours looking out our window into the backyard. It gives Melissa and me great pleasure. The same can be said for the joy of watching the many bird...
Jan 21, 2026
Bell-shaped blooms and quiet charm: discovering the Carolina Silverbell
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener Alas, another plant I have never owned and rarely seen in the landscapes in the Triangle. Of course, I normally don't trespass to look for plants so there may be a ...
Jan 18, 2026
Why this winter flower challenges even seasoned gardeners
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener Our friend Phil Campbell and her brother, who owns a separate nursery near Mt Airy, grow extraordinary plants of all kinds. Every year Phil brings down poinsettias ...
Dec 28, 2025
KIX Kitties and K9s: Meet Lucille!
Meet Lucille, the epitome of charm. This laid-back lady is your ideal companion, always ready to share life’s moments by your side. Lucille’s journey began as a devoted mother, nurturing s...
Dec 17, 2025
KIX Kitties and K9s: Meet Picasso!
Picasso is a 6-month-old orange tabby with a big personality and an even bigger desire for attention. This boy is a certified people-lover-he wants your affection, your cuddles, your playtime... basic...
Dec 10, 2025